Sanderford said he was given a mandate. His opponents both argued that Sanderford didn't do enough in Montgomery for the south Huntsville district.

"I'm very, very pleased and a little surprised I won," Sanderford said. "I'm very appreciative of the people who supported me. They must be pleased with the job I've done over the last 22 years to give me four more."

Pinkleton, 23, a senior at the University of Alabama in Huntsville said his campaign went door to door in the district, but couldn't overcome Sanderford's cash advantage.

"I got some name recognition out of this race and get credibility among the Republican community that I can get votes at 23," Pinkleton said. "That actually instills confidence in me to be potentially the next representative from the district."

Taylor said she knew it would be difficult to unseat an incumbent, but she wanted to highlight concerns in the district over the Huntsville Housing Authority, BRAC 2015 and education funding.